News

21 February 2017

EE uses baloons & drones.

EE said it has developed a technology that can
supply call and internet connections in the most remote parts of the UK,
or during and after disasters such as flooding.The operator demonstrated the system, using balloon and drone Ďair
mastsí, and a network of small cells.

The operator explained that the technology uses mini
mobile sites attached to a helium balloon to supply wide-area 4G mobile
coverage where permanent sites have been damaged or in areas where there is no
4G coverage.EE also showcased drones
equipped with mini sites, each including a base station and antenna, that can
be used to provide targeted coverage, including in search and rescue
operations.The technology uses small
cells which connect back to the EE network via satellite or the operatorís 4G
spectrum for calls and internet access.

The tethered and powered mobile Ďair mastí systems are
currently in patent-pending status.EE
expects to deliver a deployed balloon solution in a rural environment sometime
this year.

The operator has also created Rapid Response Vehicles
that will support the new Emergency Services Network for which the operator is
the main contractor, during local site outages and essential maintenance.Last year Nokia said it was working with EE on
such compact network solutions.